Portable manifolding device



March 2, 1937. J SHERMAN 2,072,134

PORTABLE MANIFOLDING DEVICE.

Filed June 26, 1933' 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 A ORN J. O. SHERMAN PORTABLE MANIFOLDING DEVICE March 2, 1937.

Filed June 26, 193:5

5 Sheets-Sheet? March 2, 1937. J. Q. SHERMAN PORTABLE MANIFOLDING DEVI CE Filed June 26, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Mar. 2, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 34 Claims.

This invention relates to a portable manifolding apparatus and particularly a holder or container of compact form and light weight for successively dispensing superposed printed forms in F registering relation to receive thereon record inscriptions which are reproduced upon the underlying forms by interleaved sheets of transfer material.

The present manifolding apparatus is especiallO ly adapted to the use of sales persons, delivery men, checkers, and others who find it necessary or desirable to issue sales slips, tickets, bills, and the like while moving from place to place.

The device comprises a box-like container preferably of light gage aluminum, but which may be of any other suitable material, having dimensions approximately equal to those of the packet of largest size forms to be dispensed. The forms are interconnected into continuous strips which are preferably superfolded in zig-zag formation and are drawn from the interior of the box or holder and folded reversely over its lid which serves as a writing tablet. The transfer sheets are engaged interiorly of the box or container, pref- 23 erably in a loose manner and extend thence outwardly between the superposed forms and over the top into writing position. They are held against unison longitudinal movement with the strips which are periodically advanced past the I transfer sheets to present new forms in the writing position. The carbon or transfer material retaining means may be adjustable to enable the transfer sheets to be slightly shifted from time to time topresent fresh transfer surface in registry with the writing lines of the forms. The withdrawn forms and interleaved transfer material are unconfined on the writing tablet, except by a terminal clamp and readily accessible without the necessity of lifting or removing an overlying top or cover.

While primarily intended to be carried from place to place, the present device may be mounted on a desk, or embedded in a desk slide, or a counter top flush with the surface thereof, or

" may be attached to a delivery vehicle, or stationarily secured in other location wherein the usual type of autographic register would be impractical or highly objectionable.

The object of the invention is to simplify the construction as well as the means and mode of operation of such manifolding devices whereby they will not only be cheap in construction, but will be more efficient and convenient in use, of

light weight and compact form, and devoid of working Parts or mechanism and hence will be unlikely to get out of order.

A further object of the invention is to provide a portable manifolding device adapted to use superimposed continuous series of interconnected printed forms which are progressively withdrawn from the interior of the holder or container and then reversed over the container to writing position upon the top of such. device and employing in combination therewith stationary interleaved sheets of transfer material past which the strips or forms are periodically advanced.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means for mounting separate and independent carbon or transfer sheets within a holder or receptable between superposed strips of interconnected form's contained therein and to provide for adjusting the transfer sheets relative to the writing position to present successive fresh portions thereof in registry with the writing lines, said carbon sheets being attached at one end only and extending thence in the direction in which the forms are withdrawn.

.A further object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement of guiding means for controlling the movement of the strips within the box or container and for directing them in proper relation with the interleaved carbon sheets.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved detent means for arresting the movement of the superposed strips when a predetermined length has been withdrawn from the box or container.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for retaining the interleaved sheets of transfer material in close relation with the superposed webs or strips of printed forms, preferably loosely mounted to prevent binding or resistance to the movement of the latter, and to permit quick loading of the assembly of superimposed strips and interleaved transfer material which has previously been arranged in pack form.

A further object is to provide a suitable holder for detached sheets or slips in which such strips may be conveniently stored.

A further object is to provide improved aligning means for the superposed forms whereby ac-' curate registry will be insured when the terminal forms are positioned on top of the box or holder in the writing position.

A further object is to provide improved retaining meansfor holding the forms in writing position over the holder or container. H I r A further object is to provide a manifolding pack assembly having short lengths of. transfer material interleaved with the record strips for quick loading into operative relation within the holder.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view, as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, or their equivalents, as hereinafter described and set forth in the claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown the preferred, but obviously not necessarily the only form of the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the manifolding device, forming the subject matter hereof, with a set of withdrawn forms positioned thereon and ready to receive a written inscription. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the lid of the box or holder raised and a packet of superposed strips of series connected forms and interleaved transfer sheets positioned therein. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the box or holder and the superposed strips of record material arranged in the normal writing position corresponding to that shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a top plan view with the lid of the container or box raised. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the transfer sheet retainer and the strip guide removed from the box or holder. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a packet'of superposed strips of inter- -fication of the arresting means for the superposed strips of interconnected forms. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a, portion of the apertured strip of interconnected forms for use with the pin type arresting means illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 12 is a similar view of a portion of a strip of interconnected forms marginally notched for use with the strip arresting means illustrated in Fig. 8. Fig. 13 illustrates a portion of a strip of interconnected forms marginally notched for use with arresting means illustrated in Fig. 10. Fig. 14 illustrates a further variation of the apertured or punched strip of interconnected fornls.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, I is a rectangular box-like container or holder proportioned to approximately agree with the size of the packet of the largest forms to be used therein. This holder or box I is preferably formed from sheet aluminum or other light but strong material. It is provided with a lid or cover 2, shown hinged, which also forms a writing tablet over which the superposed forms and interleaved transfer sheets are laid to receive the inscribed record. At one end the lid 2 is provided with a spring clip 3 beneath which the free ends of the superposed forms are inserted to temporarily hold the forms in position to receive the inscription. The end walls of the box I are preferably notched or indented at l to afford access to the packet of superfolded record strips therein, facilitating the proper disposition of the record strips and interleaved transfer sheets and further permitting observation of the remaining supply of interconnected forms. The lid 2 may be secured in closed position by any suitable means. In the drawing it is shown provided with a marginal flange 5 overhanging the side of the box or container I which is embossed at 6 to provide yielding interlocking engagement with the flange 5 of the cover. One end wall of the'box I is shown of slightly less height than the remaining walls thereby providing a slot or opening I through which the superposed strips of interconnected forms and the interleaved sheets of transfer material extend from the interior of the box or holder and are reversely folded thence over the cover or top 2, as shown particularly in Fig. 1.

The forms to be dispensed are interconnected end to end in-continuous series, and a plurality of such strips 88 are superposed one upon another and interfolded reversely in zig-zag formation to form a supply packet, as is illustrated in Fig. 6. Interleaved between the forms of the superposed strips 8 are sheets 9 of transfer material. These transfer sheets 9 are of somewhat greater length than the forms to be dispensed and at their inner ends are here shown provided with transverse supporting strips ID of light cardboard, heavy paper, fiber or even metal if so desired. These carbon or transfer sheets 9 are preferably, though not necessarily, reduced in width as at II adjacent their inner ends and beyond the limits of the initial forms of the series in order'to clear the arresting pins I2 projecting in spaced relation from the underside of the cover or lid 2 and engageable in spaced holes I3 in succeeding forms. In lieu of reducing their width the transfer material may also be punched to receive the pins I2. If desired, the arresting pins may be omitted and engagement of the scored folds with the edge of the cover or writing tablet many be relied upon to arrest the strips.

For supporting the interleaved transfer sheets 9, preferably loosely as illustrated, and for properly guiding the superposed strips 8-8 relative thereto, there is provided, interiorly of the box or holder I, a channel-shaped frame member I 4, shown particularly in Fig. 5, which fits snugly within the box or container I with its upstanding side walls parallel with and closely adjacent to the longitudinal side walls of the box or contaner. Extending transversely of the retaining and guide member I4 is a rod or, if so desired, a roller I5 around which the superposed strips 8-8 are drawn in their passage from the supply packet to the discharge slot I, as is more clearly illustrated in Fig. 3. The upstanding side walls of the retaining and guide member I4 are provided with reentrant or undercut notches or slots I6.

At their forward or undercut ends, the slots I6 terminate in substantially vertical margins I I toward which the bottoms of the slots are inclined upwardly. The vertical margins I! afford stop shoulders for lateral non-binding projections upon sheets of transfer material interleaved between the record strips while the inclined bottoms of the slots I6 afford cam guide ways which tend to elevate the transfer sheets and with them the superposed record strips as the latter move forwardly. The guide and retaining member I4 is adjustably mounted within the box or container I with which it is engageable in different positions of adjustment by means of laterally extending lugs I8 engageable in any one of several marginal notches I9 in the side walls of the container I. By adjustment of the member I4, the relation of the transfer sheets to the underlying portions of the record strips upon the writing table is varied slightly to present fresh transfer surfaces coincident with the writing line.

For the purpose of aligning the withdrawn portions of the record strips 8, the arrest of the withdrawal movement is required when predetermined lengths of suchstrips have been extended beyond the exit opening i. For this purpose dependent spaced studs I2l2 are provided on the under side of the lid or cover 2, which are engageable in apertures i8 correspondingly positioned at the head of succeeding lengths of record strips. These arresting studs l2 project into the normal path of the strips as they approach the exit opening 1, and the strips bear against such studs in their withdrawal movement until the apertures I 3 come into registry with the studsl? whereupon the strips, under the influence of the pulling tension, tend to rise, thereby causing the studs l2 to enter into the apertures i3 and thereby arrest the withdrawal movement of the several strips. The interleaved sheets 9 of transfer material are of somewhat greater length than that of succeeding detachable portions of the strips 8 and are dis-.

posed in such relation with the strips that the transfer sheets terminate as desired in spaced relation with the extremities of the strips 8, as is shown particularly in Figs. 1, 3 and 6. This enables the ends of the strips 8 to be collectively grasped independently of the interleaved transfer sheets 8. The transfer sheets 9 extend rearwardly between the superposed record strips 8 beyond the transverse weakened lines upon which the terminal sections of the strips are divisible. The reduced portions ii of the transfer sheets are of such width as to extend intermediate and clear the arresting studs l2 and apertures i3, or if of full width may have holes, slots or notches punched therein to clear the arresting studs or other strip engaging means. The mounting bars ID at the rear or inner ends of the transfer sheets 9 extend laterally beyond the side margins of the record strips 8 and engage within the slots iii of the retaining member i l. The transfer sheets 9 are shown each connected to a separate mounting strip I8 and while these sheets and strips are loosely positioned between the record strips 8, the

engagement of the transfer sheet 9 with the record strips until the protruding ends of such mounting strips i0 contact the vertical terminals of the slots l8 by which they are arrested and held against movement with the withdrawal of the record strips 8. The elevationof the transfer sheets by the riding engagement of the protruding ends of the bars or strips II), which is the preferred construction, upon the inclined bottoms of the guide slots l6 tends also to raise therewith the record strips 8 into elevated position within the container wherein the strips will bear against the dependent arresting pins or studs I 2 until arrested in their advance movement by the engagerecord strips 8 are then turned upwardly and over the top or cover 2 of the container, into the position shown in Fig. 1, where the extremities of the strips'are secured beneath the spring finger 8. Before being engaged beneath the spring finger 3, the folds of the strips which are enclosed one within the other are collectively pressed against the edge of the container top or writing tablet enclosed within the several folds, thus seating the folds firmly within each other and insuring accurate registry oi" the superposed forms. The folds of the several strips being uniformly disposed relative to theprinted forms, are thus made toconform to each other and to the edge of the top which serves as a gage.

The mounting for the transfer sheets as described enables a pack of continuous forms and interleaved transfer sheets to be quickly inserted while the substantially square end of the slot I! or other similar loose mounting, prevents binding of the strips and transfer sheets, and enables the transfer sheet holder to be easily slid or sprung into position.

In lieu of a spring tensioned finger 3 fixedly secured to the lid 2, as shown in Fig. 1, this retainer may be a spring actuated hinged flap 23 having flat, smooth writing position over the writing surface of the container.

In lieu of the dependent arresting pins or studs [2 secured to the under side of the cover or lid 2, such lid may be provided with dependent ears 21 or short flanges at the terminal edge of the cover, as is shown in Fig. 8, which are engageable in marginal notches 28 in the record strips 8, as is shown in Fig. 12. The purpose and function of the ears or flanges 21 and their arresting engagement in the notches 28 is quite similar to that of the studs or pins i2 having engagement in the perforations l3. That is to say, the strips 8 in their withdrawal movement bear against the ears or flanges 21 until a predetermined length of the strips has been withdrawn, at which time the marginal notches 28, coming into registry with the ears or flanges 21, permit the latter to enter into the notches and thereby arrest the withdrawal movement of the strips. In Fig. 10 there is shown a still further modification wherein lugs 28 are secured to the under side of the cover 2 for engagement in like manner in triangular notches 38 in the margins of the record strips 8, as are shown in Fig. 13. Instead of providing spaced ears or terminal flanges 21 for engagement in marginal notches 28, as shown in Figs. 8 and 12, a single ear or short flange may be provided medially upon the terminal edge of the cover 2 for engagement in medially positioned slots in the record strips 8, as shown at 3i more particularly in Fig. 14.

While several forms of arresting means have been illustrated, two dependent studs, such as studs l2, preferably on the under side of the lid or cover and preferably, though not necessarily,

without mutilating' the edges of the forms and, by stopping the forms with the folds and scored tear lines contiguous to the container wall, enables the strips to be turned upward about the edge of the top with the edge coincident with the folds and tear lines upon which the strips are divisible into sheets or sections, thereby insuring registration and facilitating the subsequent detachment of succeeding portions. It is obvious that the arresting means may be reversed, and instead of providing depen'dent ears or flanges 21 upon the lid 2 of the container, such projecting portions may be formed upon the margin of the end wall of the container I, and the notches or apertures may be made to engage therewith by drawing the strips over such end wall with slight pressure until the apertures register with the projections engageable therein to arrest the strips. To obtain the best results, the described arresting means must be smaller than the notches or apertures in the forms with which the arresting means is engageable, so that as the forms are tightly grasped and withdrawn from the container they may easily engage the arresting means even though lightly out of registration with each other and with their notches or apertures in overlapping relation.

While the transfer sheets 9 may be secured at their inner ends to supports permanently secured within the container, with which the sheets are detachably engaged, the preferable construction is one in which they are permanently secured to cardboard strips ID or other detachable supports of inexpensive character which enables the transfer sheets 9 to be interleaved between the terminal sections of the record strips 8 at the time of manufacture. This enables the commercial manufacture of packets of proper size to fit the container, containing transfer material having sufficient durability to last until all of the forms in the packet are used. When one packet of forms is exhausted, the container may be reloaded by merely dropping therein a new packet, such as shown in Fig. 6, thereby requiring minimum time to replenish the supply and at the same time renew the transfer sheets.

To operate, the lid of the container is first opened and a packet of forms, such as shown in Fig. 6, is inserted under the idler roller or bar IS with the protruding ends of the transfer support strips I0 extending within the slot l6 of the detention membersj and the first set of forms, together with the interleaved transfer sheets, is pulled the proper distance outside the container. Due to the frictional engagement of the transfer sheets between the strips, the ends of the supporting strips will ride up the inclined bottom of the slot l6 until arrested by the vertical terminals II thereof. The cover is then closed down and the extended forms and interleaved transfer sheets are turned backward over the lid which now becomes the writing table. When fully extended the scored fold lines, upon which the terminal portions of the strips 8 are afterward del tached, approximately coincide with the edge of the cover 2 where a slight touch of the finger against the forms brings the folded portions of the forms close together about the relatively sharp edge of the writing table lid or the edge of the container if other construction is used, thus maintaining accurate registration between the superposed printed forms during the writing operation. At the opposite end of the writing tablet, the free ends of the forms are projected beneath the spring clip 3 or other folding means which holds them with moderate pressure. Thus 'ready to be detached from the supply strips, they are disengaged from under the retaining clip 3 and turned back to an extended position, such as shown in Fig. 2, and the forms being grasped at their extreme end beyond the extremities of the interleaved transfer sheets are subjected to pulling effort by which a succeeding length of forms is withdrawn from the container independently of and between the transfer sheets 9 until the new set of forms is in proper relation with the transfer sheets, after which the inscribed sections are detached and the new set of forms and interleaved transfer sheets are turned backward over the top of the container, the scored fold lines gently adjusted against the aligning edge of the container, and their ends engaged beneath the retainer clip 3 preparatory to the next writing operation. It is obvious that in lieu of terminating the transfer sheets in spaced relation with the ends of the record strips 8, the transfer sheets may be extended to the end oi. the record strips and be provided with a cutout or indentation within which the record strips may be collectively grasped independently of the transfer sheets as is already known in this art.

Because the forms are pulled by hand, no adjusting method is possible while they are grasped tightly for withdrawal. However, the engagement of the arresting studs l2 within the perforations l3, or the corresponding ears 2! within the notches 28 insures accurate registration of the forms at each operation by presenting the scored fold lines coincident with the edge of the writing tablet or container against which they are lightly pressed at each reversal of the forms to writing position upon the table, thereby relatively adjusting the individual sheets of the set to secure accurate registry. Cross reference is made to copending companion applications, Serial No. 673,207, filed May 27, 1933, Serial No. 729,034, filed June 6, 1934, Serial No. 741,578, filed August 27, 1934, Serial No. 741,579, filed August 27, 1934, and Serial No. 741,580, filed August 27, 1934.

Inasmuch as the present dispensing apparatus is intended to be carried from place to place, provision is made for convenient storage of detached portions of the record strips-after inscription. To the under side of the container or box I there is hinged a clamp leaf 32, having an upturned marginal flange 33 at its free edge. The loose inscribed forms or slips after detachment are temporarily inserted between such leaf 32 and the bottom of the box I where they are. securely held by the retraction of the hinged leaf.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modi fication in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While, in order to comply with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention. I claim:

1. In a manifolding device, a box-like container for a packet of superposed portions of record material from which the material may be progressively withdrawn, a cover for the container forming a writing tablet over which the withdrawn record material may be extended, and means located beneath the writing tablet for engaging sheets of transfer material interposed between the superposed portions of record material and adapted to hold such sheets from movement with the strips, said sheets being extended thence exteriorly of the container and in reverse direction over the top thereof between the withdrawn portions of record material.

2. In a manifolding device, a container for a supply packet of superposed record strips, including a cover forming a writing tablet over which the strips may be extended from the interior of the container, arresting means contiguous to the exit end of the container engageable in spaced cutouts in the strips for limiting the withdrawal of the strips to predetermined lengths, and guiding meanstending to elevate the strips within the container into the plane of the arresting means under pulling influence necessary to withdraw succeeding portions of the strips from the container, and thereby bring the forms into proper position for aligning them.

3. In a manifolding device, a container for a supply packet of superposed record strips, including a cover forming a writing tablet over which the strips may be extended from the interior of the container, having an exit opening through which the strips may be withdrawn, guide means within the container for the strips, and arresting means projecting into the path of the strips between the, guiding means and exit opening, in contact with which the strips pass to the exit opening, said arresting means being engageable in spaced cutouts in the strips to limit the successive withdrawals thereof to distances between succeeding spaced cutouts.

4. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms including a box to receive a supply of said strips from which the connected forms may be successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction, and mounting means within the box common to multiple sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips and from which the transfer sheets extend thence exteriorly of the box and reversely over the top thereof intermediate withdrawn portions of the strips, said mounting means being adjustable longitudinally of the box, and means for limiting the longitudinal movement of the sheets relative to the mounting means.

5. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms including a box to receive asupply of said strips from which the connected forms may be successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction and vertically adjustable attachment means interiorly of the box for sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips and extending thence exteriorly of the box and reversely over the top thereof intermediate withdrawn portions of-the strips, means for loosely holding said attachment means for vertical adjustment within the box in unison with vertical adjustment of the strips, and adapted for easy access of transfer material holding means for quick loading purposes. I

6. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms including abox to receive a supply of said strips from which the connected forms are successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction and attachment means within the box for sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips and extending thence exteriorly of the box and reversely'over the top thereof intermediate withdrawn portions of the strips, and elevating means effective under influence of withdrawal movement of the strips for elevating the assembly of strips and transfer sheets within the box into proximate relation with the top of the box.

7. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms including a box to receive a supply of said strips from which the connected forms .are successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction after withdrawal, attachment means within the box for sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips and extending thence exteriorly of the box and reversely over the top thereof intermediate withdrawn portions of the strips, and inclined guides within the box upon which the attachment means is moved by the withdrawal motion of the strips thereby elevating the strips and transfer sheets into proximate relation with the top of the box.

8. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms including a box to receive a supply of said strips from which the connected forms may be successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction, attachment means interiorly of the box common to multiple sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips and extending thence exteriorly of the box and folded reversely over the top thereof intermediate withdrawn portions of the strips, said attachment means for the sheets being loosely positioned Within the box for longitudinal adjustment relative thereto and stop means for preventing the withdrawal movement of the transfer sheets with the withdrawal of the strips.

9. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms including a box to receive a supply of said strips from which the connected forms are successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction after being withdrawn, attachment means within the box for sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips and extending thence exteriorly of the box and reversely over the top thereof intermediate withdrawn portions of the strips, strip engaging means for arresting the withdrawal of the strips when form lengths thereof have been withdrawn, and deflecting means operative by pulling strain upon the strips to deflect the strips into engaging relation with said strip engaging means.

10. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms including a box connected forms are successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction after withdrawal, attachment means within the box for sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips and extending thence exteriorly of the box and reversely over the top thereof intermediate withdrawn portions of the strips, said sheets being loosely supported within the box between the strips for independent vertical and longitudinal motion, and means within the box for limiting such movements while permitting movement of the strips relative thereto.

11. A container for superposed continuous strips of series-connected forms including a box to receive a supply of said strips from which the connected forms are successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction after they have been withdrawn, an attachment means for multiple sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips located interiorly of the box from which the multiple transfer sheets extend thence exteriorly of the box and reversely 'over the top thereof intermediate withdrawn portions of the strips, and means for effecting unison longitudinal adjustment of the transfer sheets relative to the strips to present fresh areas thereof at the writing lines.

12. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms including a box to receive a supply of said strips from which the connected forms are successively withdrawn, a topfor the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction and attachment means within the box for sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips and extending thence exteriorly of the box and reversely over the top thereof intermediate. withdrawn portions of the strips, includinga channel shaped member within the box, having under cut notches in the sides thereof, mounting members extending transversely of the box intermediate the strips with their ends loosely engaged in said notches for the attachment thereto of transfer sheets interposed between the strips, said notches serving to limit the advance movement of the transfer sheets with the withdrawal movement of the strips.

13.-A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected zig-zag folded forms including a box to receive a supply of said strips from which the connected forms are successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions'of the strips are extended in reverse direction and attachment means within the box .for sheets of transfer material interposed between the strips and extending thence exteriorly of the box and reversely over the top thereof intermediate portions of the strips, said attachment means consisting of abut,- ment members at the sides of the said box, and mounting members for holding the transfer material, extending transversely of the box intermediate the strips with their ends loosely engaging said abutment members, said abutment members serving to prevent the advance movement of the transfer sheets with the withdrawal movement of the strips.

14. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms, including a box to receive a supply of said strips from which the to receive a supply of such strips from which the connected forms are successively withdrawn, a top w ,for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the forms are extended in reverse direction after withdrawal, mounting means withinthe box for attaching transfer sheets interposed between the terminal portions of the strips including transverse attachment bars positioned between the strips and projecting laterally therebeyond to which the transfer sheets are attached, and inclined guides at the sides of the box upon which the ends of the attachment bars' tend to rise under withdrawal influence of the strips.

15. A' container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms, including a box to receive a supply of such strips from which the connected forms are successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the forms are extended in reverse direction, mounting means within the box for attaching transfer sheets interposed between the terminal portions of the strips including transverse attachment bars positioned between the strips and projecting laterally therebeyond to which the transfer sheets are attached, strip engaging means for arresting the withdrawal of the strips when aform length thereof has been withdrawn, and means engaging the ends of said attachment bars for deflecting the strips into engaging relation with the arresting means.

16. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms, including a box to receive a supply of such strips from which the connected forms are successively withdrawn, a top for the box forming a writing table over which withdrawn portions of the forms are extended in reverse direction after withdrawal,

mounting means within the box for attaching transfer sheets interposed between the terminal portions of the strips including a channel shaped mount adjustably mounted in the box and en- .gageabie therewith in different positions of iongitudinal adjustment, a transverse guide member carried by the mount over whichthe strips are withdrawn, undercut notches in the sides of the channel shaped mount, and transverse attachment bars positioned between the strips with their ends loosely engaged in said notches to which the transfer sheets are attached.

17. A container for superposed continuous strips of series connected forms, including a box to receive a supply of such strips, a top for the box forming a writing table over which the withdrawn portions of the strips are extended in reverse direction, between terminal portions of which transfer sheets are interposed, a dependent arresting projection upon the under side of the box top for engagement with the strips' which are apertured at spaced intervals for reception of said arresting projections, and guide means operative incident to the withdrawal strain upon the strips for elevating the strips into arresting engagement with the projection.

18.- In a manifolding device, a container for a supply packet of record strips collectively folded into zigzag formation, a writing tablet over which the strips may be extended from the interior of the container, arresting means engageable with the strips for limiting their withdrawal, and elevating means operative by pulling tension on the strips to raise the strips perpendicular to their plane into position for engagement with the arresting means to limit their withdrawal to predetermined lengths.

19. In a manifolding device, a container for a supply packet of record strips collectively folded into zigzag formation, a writing tablet over which the strips may be extended from the interior of the container, a downwardly directed stud located beneath the writing tablet and engageable in any one of a series of spaced holes in the strips to limit the withdrawalof the strips to predetermined lengths, and means operative by the pulling tension upon the strips for deflecting the strips into arresting engagement with said stud.

20. A manifolding register substantially coextensive with a packet of superposed reversely folded record strips to be dispensed thereby, including a packet receiving compartment, a writing tablet over which the strips may be extended from the compartment, a stud projecting from the under side of the writing tablet engageable in holes in the strips to arrest the withdrawal of the strips, and an edge portion upon the writing tablet engageable with the strips beyond the point of arresting engagement of the stud for aligning the strips in writing position upon the tablet.

21. A manifolding register substantially coextensive with a packet of superposed strips of series-connected folded forms to be dispensed therefrom, by division from the strips on transverse weakening lines, and having sheets of transfer material interfolded between the terminal portions of the strips, beyond the extermities of which the terminal portions of the strips are extended, including a packet receiving compartment, into which the interleaved sheets of transfer material rearwardly extend beyond the transverse weakening lines defining the terminal forms of said strips, a writing tablet about a margin of which the strips and interleaved transfer sheets are collectively folded in reverse direction into writing position substantially coincident with said transverse weakening lines defining the terminal forms of the strips, and holding means located within the packet compartment for detaining the interleaved transfer sheets against movement with the withdrawal of the strips.

22. A manifolding register substantially coextensive with a packet of superposed record strips to be dispensed therefrom, including a packet receiving compartment, a writing tablet over which the strips may be withdrawn from the compartment, holding means located wholly within the packet receiving compartment from which sheets of transfer material interleaved between the terminal portions of the strips extend exteriorly of the compartment and thence in reversely folded relation collectively with the strips over the'writing tablet, the strips being held by said holding means against travel movement upon withdrawal of the strips.

23. A manifolding register substantially coextensive with a packet of superposed reversely folded strips of series-connected detachable forms to be dispensed therefrom, including a compartment to receive the packet of series-connected forms, a top for the compartment forming a writing tablet over which portions of the strips are extended in reverse'direction after having been withdrawn'from the compartment, abutment ledges within said compartment at opposite sides thereof, transverse supporting bars within the compartment engageable with said abutment ledges and to which may be attached sheets of transfer material which extend thence exteriorly of the compartment and reversely over the top thereof in interleaved relation with withdrawn portions of the strips into writing position.

24. A dispensing apparatus for superposed zi zag folded continuous strips of series-connected forms with the terminal portions of which relatively' short sheets of transfer material are collectively folded in interleaved relation, including a compartment for receiving a packet of such folded strips of series-connected forms; a top for the compartment forming a writing tablet about one margin of which the terminal portions of the strips and interleaved transfer sheets are reversely folded into writing position on top there: of, and attachment means for the interleaved transfer sheets within the packet compartment to prevent their withdrawal therefrom during withdrawal of the series connected forms.

25. A manifold material dispensing device including a compartment to receive a packet of superposed strips of series-connected detachable forms and interleaved sheets of transfer material collectively folded reversely therewith, a writing tablet over which portions of the strips may be extended collectively with the interleaved transfer sheets in reverse direction after being withdrawn from the compartment, the margin of which is engageable in a collective fold of the strips and interleaved transfer material for aligning the withdrawn forms in writing position and anchor means interiorly of the compartment for holding the transfer sheets against withdrawal from the compartment during withdrawal of the form strips therefrom.

26. A container for a packet of superposed strips of series-connected forms having spaced cutouts therein, a top for the container forming a writing tablet over which withdrawn portions of the strips may be extended in reverse direction into writing position, means for anchoring sheets of transfer material interleaved between the strips of forms, and a relatively fixed downward projection upon the under side of the writing tablet engageable in successive cutouts of the strips for automatically arresting the withdrawal of the strips when lengths thereof -between succeeding cutouts have been withdrawn.

27. A container for superposed strips of .seriesconnected detachable forms having interleaved sheets of transfer material collectively folded with the terminal portions of the strips, a top for the container forming a writing tablet over which withdrawn portions of the strips and interleaved transfer sheets are reversely folded into writing position, transverse mounting bars for the transfer sheets located within the container and beneath the writing tablet to which the sheets of transfer material are attached interiorly of the container, the top of the container being clear of obstructions.

28. A container for superposed strips of seriesconnected detachable record forms having interleaved sheets of transfer material collectively interfolded with the terminal portions of the strips of forms from which container the forms are successively withdrawn, a top for the container forming a writing tablet over which withdrawn portions of the strips and interleaved transfer material are extended in reverse direction into writing position, attachment bars for the transfer material extending transversely between the strips beneath the writing tablet and engaging with the interior side walls of the container to hold the inner ends of the transfer sheets stationary and from which the sheets extend between the strips outwardly to the exterior of the container and thence reversely over the top thereof, the top of the container being free of obstructions and the withdrawn portions of the strips belng accessible throughout substantially their entire extent.

29. A manifolding apparatus including a compartment for a packet of superposed strips of series-connected' detachable forms folded into zigzag formation and having interleaved sheets of transfer material interfolded between the terminal portions thereof, a top for the compartment forming a writing tablet over which terminal portions of the strips withdrawn from the compartment and the interleaved sheets of transfer material may be collectively folded in reverse direction into writing position, transverse anchor bars interiorly of the compartment between the overlying portions of the packet therein and from which the transfer sheets extend thence to the exterior of the compartment and reversely over the top thereof between the strips and aguide member located interiorly of the compartment in association with said anchor bars for guiding the strips from the packet to said bars in their course to the writing tablet.

30. A manifolding apparatus including a compartment for a packet of superposed strips of series-connected detachable forms folded into zigzag formation and having interleaved sheets of transfer material interiolded between the terminal portions thereof, a top for the compartment forming a writing tablet over which terminal portions of the strips withdrawn from the compartment and the interleaved sheets of transfer material may be collectively folded in reverse direction into writing position, an edge portion of said writing tablet engageable within a collective fold of the strips and interleaved transfer material for aligning the same in writing position, and retaining means for the transfer sheets located within the packet compartment for holding the sheets against movement with the strips during the withdrawal of the latter from the compartment.

v 31. A manifolding apparatus including a compartment for a packet of superposed strips of series-connected detachable forms folded into zig-zag formation and having interleaved sheets of transfer material interfolded between thexterminal portions thereof, a top for the compartment forming a writing tablet over which terminal portions of the strips withdrawn from the compartment and the interleaved sheets of transfer material may be collectively folded in reverse direction into writing position, and a detent projecting below the plane of the writing tablet and automatically engageable in successive cutouts in the strips as the corresponding porof transfer material interfolded between the terminal portions thereof, a top for the compartment forming a writing tablet over which terminal portions of the strips withdrawn from the compartment and the interleaved sheets of transfer material may be collectively folded in reverse direction into writing position, and mounting sheets are attached extending transversely intermediate the overlying portions of the packet within the compartment and detent means within the packet compartment with which the ends of the mounting bars are detachably engageable at opposite sides of the packet for holding the transfer verse direction into writing position; and means for detachably connecting the rear ends of the transfer sheets within the packet receiving compartment from whence the transfer sheets extend thence exteriorly of the compartment intermediate the superposed strips and thence in reverse direction collectively therewith into writing position upon the writing tablet for holding the transfer sheets against advance movement with the strips during withdrawal of the latter from the compartment. 1

34. A container for superposed strips of seriesconnected detachable record forms collectively folded into zig-zag formation, substantially coextensive with a packet of said strips to be dispensed, having an opening through which the forms are successively withdrawn, including a cover plate hinged to the container for to and fro swinging movement and forming a writing tablet over which withdrawn portions of the strips interleaved with transfer material are extended in reverse directioninto writing position, said top including an edge disposed substantially in conformity with the folds of the strips when contiguous portions thereof are in writing position upon the cover plate, about which edge the strips are abruptly turned to position with withdrawn portions of superposed strips in registering and aligned relation upon the cover plate, form strip guide bars to which portions of transfer material are attached, disposed transversely of the strips in proximate relation to the fold engaging edge of the cover plate and substantially parallel thereto for simultaneously anchoring the interleaved transfer material and confining portions of the strips contiguous to the fold engaging edge to a'path substantially parallel to the plane of the cover plate to thereby insure sharp breakage of the strips at the fold line thereof about the fold engaging edge of the cover plate and holding means for said transverse bars with which the bars are detachably engageable.

JOHN Q. SHERMAN.

' bars to which the rear ends of the transfer 

